If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Lauderdale, it’s natural to wonder what the first steps should be. Many people assume the first question a personal injury lawyer will ask is, “How much money do you want?” But the best personal injury lawyers don’t start there. The top attorneys focus on what matters most: your health, your recovery, and the facts of your case.

In this post, we’ll explain what the best personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale actually ask you first, and why these questions matter. If a lawyer starts the conversation with money, it may be a sign that they are more interested in profit than in protecting your rights.

What the Best Personal Injury Lawyers Ask First

A skilled personal injury attorney understands that every case is different. They also know that the most critical information comes from the beginning. The best lawyers will start with questions about your injury and the circumstances surrounding the accident, including:

• How are you feeling right now
• Whether you received medical treatment
• What is your diagnosis is
• Whether you have ongoing pain or limitations
• The timeline of events after the accident

These questions help lawyers understand the severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life. They also help build a case that shows the full impact of the accident on your health.

Your Health Comes Before the Settlement

One of the most essential things a strong personal injury lawyer will do is emphasize the importance of medical care. If you have not yet been treated, a good lawyer will encourage you to seek medical attention immediately. This is not just for your health—it is also critical for building a strong legal case.

Insurance companies often look for reasons to reduce payouts, and one of the easiest ways for them to do that is to claim your injury was not serious or was not caused by the accident. A medical record that documents your injury and treatment helps prevent this.

A lawyer who focuses on your health is also more likely to consider long-term impacts. Many injuries do not fully show their effects until weeks or months later. The best lawyers understand this and will advise you to wait until your condition stabilizes before settling.

The Details of the Accident Matter

After addressing your health, a top personal injury lawyer will ask for details about the accident. They want to understand what happened, how it happened, and who was involved. Typical questions include:

• Where and when did the accident occur?
• Were there any witnesses?
• Did you report the accident to the police or the property owner?
• Did you take photos or videos?
• Was there any surveillance footage?

These questions are essential for determining liability. In Fort Lauderdale, where traffic is heavy and pedestrian accidents are common, the details matter more than ever. A lawyer needs to know the facts to build a case that clearly shows fault.

Your Daily Life and Long-Term Impact

A skilled lawyer will also ask how your injury affects your daily life. Personal injury cases are not just about medical bills; they are about fundamental changes in your quality of life. A good attorney will want to know:

• Are you able to work?
• Are you able to complete household tasks?
• Have you missed time from work or school?
• Are you experiencing emotional distress or anxiety?
• Are you unable to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed?

These questions help lawyers calculate the actual value of your case. When a lawyer only focuses on financial compensation, they may miss the full scope of how the accident has impacted you.

Insurance and Communication

Once the lawyer understands your injuries and the accident details, they will ask about your communication with insurance companies. They want to know if you have spoken with the other party’s insurer, if you’ve given a recorded statement, or if you’ve been asked to sign documents.

A strong personal injury lawyer will often advise you to avoid discussing the case with insurance companies until they can represent you. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you.

Why Money Should Not Be the First Question

A lawyer who immediately asks about money is often focused on closing a case quickly. While compensation is an essential part of a personal injury claim, it should never be the starting point. The best attorneys prioritize building a strong case that fully supports your recovery and long-term needs.

If you settle too early, you could miss out on compensation for ongoing medical costs, future care, lost wages, or pain and suffering. The best lawyers will make sure you understand the whole picture before discussing settlement numbers.

Call Kurtz, Peters, and Associates for Trusted Legal Support

If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who puts your health first, Kurtz, Peters, and Associates is here to help. Our team is committed to guiding clients through every step of the legal process, from medical care to settlement negotiations. We take the time to understand your injuries, your needs, and the impact the accident has had on your life.

Schedule your consultation today to get the support you deserve.